Holding Your Breath

Two weeks before Christmas, My husband came home with out a job and having internal stomach issues. The health scare quickly vanished after doctor consultations and being on the phone with numerious nurses. The job loss however, stayed with us. This has caused us to suck in wind and blink a few extra times. But besides the little blip  of “holy smokes, oh snap” it hasn’t moved us beyond that. We still had Christmas. We are still going on our family trips. We are still taking our kids to the museum. How you say? Why aren’t you freaking out? You have two little kids and a mortgage…and NO job!

Two things.

1. Living below your means
2. Creating an emergency fund!                                                                        Bonus: I also believe in being a good steward of what God has given you and using the brain God gave you. That means save, people!                            “Give, Save, and then live on the rest.” – Andy Stanley

I’m not saying that praying is not vital. Trusting in God’s provision is something I believe in and practice! I’m just saying, be wise. Do your part.

Our civilization has enough issues and fears to fight against. Don’t make it harder on yourselves by adding to it things you can avoid or at least help soften the blow. You can’t avoid everything but you can make wise choices and in that create breathing room even in the “emergency”.

The template that my family runs on is this:

give 10% minimum away. save 10%-20% out of every pay check. Build your budget around the rest. Try to always have 4-6 months living expenses.

Most people would say “If I did that I couldn’t live”. If this is your response I would say that your probably living at a level you shouldn’t be living anyway.

I am all for fun. I love vacations! I love nice things and even designer watches and handbags. My closet is full of shoes! I am not a minimalist. BUT I DO NOT live above the sound advice of what scripture teaches and wise people say when it comes to $$. It’s just not worth it.

Were still looking for the next job and next adventure but we are being smart about it. We’re choosing to trust God and to be cheerful with where we are and where He is taking us. Are you?

Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23